On the longest one, "Someone touched me on the foot," said Johnson. The Salukis quickly discovered what four previous opponents found out about Johnson: If you're going to bring him down, you better touch his foot, knee, waist, shoulders and helmet.

"He's fast, tough and a great sport," said SIU coach Bob Smith. "He's a superior football player."

Good enough to be considered for the Heisman?

"The Heisman has never really crossed my mind," said Johnson. "If I get it, it would be nice, but if we can win the (Big West) championship as a team, that would be even better."

The Huskies (3-2, 2-0) resume conference play Saturday at New Mexico State.